https://aswearenow.co/blogs/news.atomAs We Are Now - Blog2019-01-11T09:34:00-12:00As We Are Now https://aswearenow.co/blogs/news/raja2019-01-11T09:34:00-12:002019-01-11T09:38:17-12:00RajaAnette DimmenWe heard about Raja Skogland from several people on the Norwegian start up scene before we actually met her. Her reputation as a fierce advocate for entrepreneurs and someone I absolutely should talk to, turned out to be true.

What strikes you about Raja is her unapologetic femininity, high energy and passion for what she does, which is helping other start up entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams. We are proud to feature Raja as one of our AW:AN women and to share a little snippet of her life with you here.

How many hours a week do you work?I am really passionate about our company’s mission and what we want to achieve. We want to help as many entrepreneurs as possible to create profitable businesses. So we are currently working on launching a 8 week entrepreneurship program, where we give access to the tools and the network entrepreneurs need to succeed. There is a lot to do, so we don’t really count the hours… but I would say that in a typical day I work from 8am to 6-7pm, and then again from 8pm, when kids are in bed, until 11ish pm. During weekends I like to focus on my family, but I often work a bit in the evening on either Saturday or Sunday.

How do you relax? What´s your instant relaxation trick?If I am at home: during day time I like to go for a walk or just wander around in the garden, in the evening I enjoy movies .

At the office: get a coffee or a tea with honey and listen to some house music to get my vibe going

In the evening: take a warm bath with essential oils, and a few candles. When it’s dark it cools down my mind…

How much sleep do you get (per night on average)?Not enough I must say, around 5-6hours, which is not a lot for me! I used to sleep way more! But we have kids now, and they still wake up at night. Some nights my husband and I wake up 3-4 times. Luckily my husband is very supportive, and we alternate “night duty” so that only one person gets up at night and then gets to sleep longer in the morning while the other gets the kids ready for kindergarten.

What´s your favorite time in the day and why:In the evening after 8pm, that’s when I am the most focused and my mind is sharp. I am a night owl.

What decisions have you made as an adult that has positively changed your life?To move to a new country, Norway, which forced me out of my comfort zone and made me decide to only live and lead by passion and work for myself to empower others.

How do you manage your life/work balance?The week is for business, the weekend is for family.

What is your best recent purchase or investment? My husband and I rarely purchase things unless it’s necessary or for a special occasion. We rather invest our money either in our companies or in real estate.

Just the below?:The last 4 months, we have been investing in our home in Norway to expand it. I have been craving for a home office and a larger living room.

What do you strongly believe?I believe in the limitless human potential,and that entrepreneurship is a great tool to empower yourself and others. Learning how to run a business is empowering, entrepreneurship can help you find ways to free yourself from a financial struggle, a tough family situation, a boring job. That’s why I made it my life’s mission to show others ways to start and run a profitable business which will give them personal and financial freedom.

Who inspires you and why?I am inspired by all the great business people and leaders of this world, those who think differently, those who dare to follow and execute on their dreams, who embrace their difference and uniqueness and encourage others to be themselves. Figures such as Gary Vaynerchuk, who I have been following for years, who is showing how empowering others is empowering yourself.

What´s your favourite failure (perhaps something that seemed like a failure at the time by actually lead to positive changes)?10 years ago,I registered to take part in the Geneva International Movie Festival as a movie producer. I did not have any experience as a producer or in the movie industry. I just wanted to give it a try. I had 3 months to gather a team of technical people, actors, create a scenario, find a setup etc. It was a total disaster! I even lost friends in the process, but at least I learned a lot about leadership. I learned that as a leader you need to.. Lead! You can’t be a shy leader in the background, you have to own it, to do it. You need to know who you are recruiting, make sure they are complementary and compatible. You need to figure out everyone’s expectations, their personal motivations, that you need to clearly define each others responsibilities and roles.. Just like in any business you need to have a clear strategy and plan of execution.

Something you can´t live without:Sun, love, people and honey.

What is your favorite room in the house and why:My living room, simultaneously the most lively and peaceful space in my house.

Our first AW:AN woman we have known for a very long time. In fact, the As We Are Now founder Anette and Astrid both grew up in Tromsø (the city of northern lights north in Norway), and both eventually made Oslo their home base. In her twenties, Astrid was a high flying corporate executive, working long hours and constantly feeling the pressure of delivering better, higher results. Not fulfilled, but still unable to leave her well paid job and career path.

Fast forward ten years and Astrid is now one of the most respected yoga teachers in Norway, and the founder of Mysore Yoga Oslo. Her workday ends at 11 am every day. She may earn less money than before but she feels so much richer in life.

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Name: Astrid Holte Østbye

Age: 38

Residence: Oslo

Self proclaimed title: Yoga studio owner and teacher

How many hours a week do you work?

About 15-20

How do you relax? What´s your instant relaxation trick?

I take a nap during the day in my bed.. And don’t feel bad about it haha.. which is the most important thing.. Before I would not be able to do that without thinking of everything I should do. Now I know it is important for me to relax, and take that time.

How much sleep do you get per night on average?

I try to get 7-8 hours.. but mostly it is 5-6.

What´s your favourite time in the day and why?

I love the evenings.. which is probably why I never manage to get 7-8 hours sleep.. and also need naps!

What decisions have you made as an adult that has positively changed your life?

To love and respect myself more. Be less busy, make less money.. Take care of my health; emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically.

How do you manage your life/work balance?

A friend of mine always say, there is no life/work balance, it is ALL LIFE.. and I agree! Do more of what feeds our soul.. and less of what we don’t really want to do. It is all life.

What is your best recent purchase or investment?

Hmm… my nutribullet smoothie maker..

What do you strongly believe?

That we are responsible for ourselves and our own happiness. Only then can we be a better person/support for others.

Who inspires you and why?

I am inspired by people who are themselves! Who make good choices for themselves. I have also always felt inspired when I go traveling. For the last eight years I’ve been away 3-6 months every year. I have learned so much from the people I’ve met and the places I have visited. It has changed me in many ways and given me new perspectives. This is also why i changed my work from being a business manager to being my own employer. So I could travel more and for longer time periods. The people I have met from different countries and cultures for sure are my biggest inspirations. Traveling to has also taught me to trust life more.. to not always need to be in control of happenings (in India that is impossible for example...)

What´s your favourite failure*

My failed love relationships… They all taught me so much and I am grateful for the growth that came from that..

Something you can´t live without?

Something as superficial as mascara.. haha.. but on a more serious note: Yoga..

What is your favourite room in the house and why

I love my whole apartment (it is not big).. but it is the place where I retreat and collect myself.